Updates

From the Desk of Rick Guidotti

This year marked a turning point for Positive Exposure. Since 2019, our East Harlem space has been a cherished home — a place where we grew, learned, and welcomed community from around the world. But in 2025, after years of dreaming and building connections, we opened our new home on Maiden Lane in New York City’s Financial District.

From the first day, it was clear this was more than a gallery. It became a lively, welcoming community center — a place where stories are shared, art is created, and every visitor is celebrated for exactly who they are.

In our first year downtown, we hosted a vibrant mix of exhibitions and programs, including: NYC District 75 student artists; the immersive and tactile Sensory-Scapes; the textile installation How Do You Wear; ADAPT Community Network’s Resilience as a Practice; and the launch of the New York Disability Rights Archive. Screenings, workshops, and student visits — from the DOE, to NYU Gallatin — filled the space with creativity and dialogue.

Our advocacy work continued to expand through collaborations with Rare Disease Day Australia and New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, and advocacy groups representing Coffin-Siris, ReNU, Hermansky-Pudlak, Moebius, CCD Smiles, Little People of America, and Chromosome 18 Canada. We also hosted a powerful film screening and conversation with South Korean disability rights leaders.

Medical and dental education remained central to our mission. Highlights included our 26th consecutive Weill Cornell lecture, curriculum development with Columbia, and programs with Mt. Sinai, Penn State, Johns Hopkins, SUNY Downstate, PCOM, LIU, AT Still, U of Louisville, Pacific Dental, U of Alberta, and Kansas Oral Health.

Our Sickle cell project grew across NY, NJ, DC, and Maryland, culminating in a powerful Novo Nordisk exhibition. Our FRAME films were recognized nationally: Strength to Fight won Best Documentary at the NYS International Film Festival, and our Food Insecurity Series won Best Pilot at the Lake Placid Film Festival.

Beyond NYC, Rowan University opened a permanent Positive Exposure exhibition, the Mayo Clinic presented our Undiagnosed work, and we launched a new installation with the Design Trust for Public Space. Our imagery also appeared on multiple Helen Journal covers. 

I am deeply grateful for everyone who has joined us — in East Harlem, the Financial District, and around the world. Together, we continue to create a world where all differences are embraced and celebrated.

As we look toward 2026, we invite you to help us deepen our impact. Your tax-deductible donation makes it possible for Positive Exposure to build new partnerships, expand educational resources, and continue redefining beauty.

With gratitude,
Rick and the Positive Exposure Team

Image Descriptions: 1. On a red background is a “Joy to the World” graphic, with the word “joy” in colorful letters, with the “O” encircling the words “to the world.” 2. On a red banner is the text “Happy Holidays From Rick & The Team” in white capital letters. Above the text are eight portraits by Rick Guidotti, featuring individuals from all over the world, posing and smiling for the camera, or hugging and embracing each other.